Preparing ahead
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A successful hike is one that’s been well-prepared!
Before grabbing your trainers and heading for the nearest mountain pass, follow this practical advice for a well-prepared hike in Sancy.
Hiking tips for peace of mindpeace of mind
Don’t forget to:
- Check the weather forecast before you leave.
- Estimate the time it will take you, allowing for the distance and elevation range.
- Make sure you have good walking shoes, warm clothes, a waterproof, a cap or sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses.
- Take plenty of water and a snack.
- Let somebody know where you’re going or take a mobile phone with you in case you need to call Search & Rescue.
Going with a hiking map
Good hiking shoes
Going with a hiking map
Pick and prepare your route
When estimating the time it will take you, allow for the distance and elevation range. In the mountains we cover an average elevation gain of 300 to 350 metres an hour, or an elevation drop of 400 to 500 metres an hour. An elevation gain of 100 metres is roughly equivalent to walking for 1km in flat terrain.
When the guidebooks talk of “elevation gain” this refers to the gain in elevation accumulated over the whole itinerary. It gives an idea of the physical effort required. It is preferable to take with you a map with the route marked out.
Added bonus
You can also download the free SANCY EXPLORER guidance app to receive relevant information during your walks in Sancy.
Signs in the Sancy
Hiking maps and guidebooks
The Sancy Boutique has a selection of hiking maps and guidebooks that you’ll find at the Sancy Tourist Offices or online.
Get organised with our hiking guidebooks and maps:
- Massif du Sancy map 1:30,000 – Édition Chamina
- IGN map 2432 ET – Massif du Sancy, PNR des Volcans d’Auvergne
- Guide Chamina 22 balades exceptionnelles
- Guide Chamina les Volcans d’Auvergne
Prepare your hike with a map and topo-guide
Meet the patou, a livestock guardian dog
On your way across the summer pastures to Col de la Croix Saint-Robert or Banne d’Ordanche, you may come across a working dog watching over the herds of sheep that it is there to protect. This is a patou.
A few tips on how to react:
- Walk around the herd, even if it means leaving the path.
- If you have no choice but to walk through the herd, speak to the dog and show no signs of aggressiveness. Do not run, shout or raise your poles...
- If you have your own dog with you, the rules require you to keep it on a lead in the mountain pastures. Walk around the herd with your dog behind you. Do not carry the dog in your arms.
Understanding the role of guard dogs
Adopt a code of good practices
- Stay on the waymarked trails.
- Close gates behind you when passing through private property, and make a detour around any herds you come across.
- Admire the wild flowers but do not pick them (many are rare and/or protected species).
- Do not frighten grazing animals or wildlife.
- Dispose of rubbish responsibly.
- Keep your dog on lead. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the national nature reserves.
- Dogs are prohibited on this itinerary that crosses a number of summer pastures.
- Be mindful of nature. National Nature Reserves have their own specific rules that forbid mountain bikes and dogs, even kept on a lead.
Nature fragile, préservons-la
Useful phone numbers
Emergencies: 112
Fire brigade: 18
Emergency services: 15
Gendarmerie: 17
Emergency calls for the deaf, hard of hearing, aphasic and dysphasic: 114
Randonnée Massif du Sancy
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